Sonnet - Poem by Frederick William (FW) Harvey

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Comrades of risk and rigour long ago Who have done battle under honour's name, Hoped (living or shot down) some meed of fime, And wooed bright Danger for a thrilling kiss, — Laugh, oh laugh well, that we have come to this !

Laugh, oh laugh loud, all ye who long ago Adventure found in gallant company ! Safe in Stagnation, laugh, laugh bitterly. While on this filthiest backwater of Time's flow Drift we and rot, till something set us free !

Laugh like old men with senses atrophied, Heeding no Present, to the Future dead, Nodding quite foolish by the warm fireside And seeing no flame, but only in the red And flickering embers, pictures of the past : — Life like a cinder fading black at last.